SHAH ALAM – Wanita Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief Datuk Seri Rina Harun is concerned about the flood issue which has already affected the Sepang constituency.
This comes after local residents in the area voiced their concerns to Sinar Daily’s reporter during a survey on the issues during election season.
Nevertheless, Rina said she was aware of the problems since 2021, after Sepang was badly affected by the flood.
"Several approaches have been taken where I personally invited Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (caretaker Environment and Water minister) to see the affected areas and how we can improve flood regularity so there will be no more floods occurring," she said.
Rina, who contested in Sepang for the 15th General Election, said short-term plans have been implemented in the area to combat the issue.
"There are both short-term and long-term plans, and the short-term plan had been implemented."
"Starting from the dams, where before it was made of sand and now it has been changed to concrete dams.
"At the same time, I also held a meeting with district officer to oversee the plans so we can ensure the huge floods like last year can be minimised as this is one of the most critical issues in Sepang," she told Sinar Daily.
Meanwhile, the caretaker Women, Family and Community Development Minister also stressed that she wanted to help people in Sepang in terms of the economy after claiming Sepang had the highest average minimum income in the country.
"In 2018, the approximate count was close to 13,000. However, many people have lost their jobs since 2020, and in order for them to recover, these economic programmes are being implemented.
"Especially for women at home, even as a caretaker with high commitments to their children.
"They need the funds to survive, especially single mothers and caretakers," she said.
Rina claimed that was why her team initiated the "Wanita Bangkit" programme and other programmes that targeted hawkers by providing them with equipment and tents.
"This is a continuous effort, not a single one-off action, as we have to make sure the economy of people in Sepang is balanced," she said.
On the other hand, Rina also addressed the locals' concern about plans to improve the infrastructure in the Sepang district.
"We also had a discussion regarding the road infrastructure to expedite the journey from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to other surrounding tourist spots so the tourists can shorten their travel time and distance.
"KLIA being an international airport while Cyberjaya is (a city with) first world infrastructure, so these have become our main agenda," she said.